Today's other readings are 2 Kings 19 and Psalm 48
Today's gospel, short as it is, is a collection of two teaching statements and a parable.
The first two are two of the most famous statements of His - the pearls being cast before swine, and the Golden Rule.
The parable about a narrow gate would have, and still does, raise eyebrows. His words seem rather stern. But the image of the narrow gate reminds us of the intensity of the commitment Jesus asks of us, that we need to take away our self-serving accommodations and reservations that reduce our ability to fully commit to Him. Remember, Jesus wants the real you, the true you, with all of your fears and anxieties and self-justifications of one's sinfulness and sinful attitudes removed. It is then that you can pass through the narrow gate.
Rather than feeling discouraged, this parable should increase our desire to know Jesus, the pearl of great price, the treasure in the field. For this is the very purpose of life, to come to know and follow Jesus Christ our Lord.